Please help us to find Bahati (pictured above), the orphaned rhino calf, who’s been trapped by a poachers snare in Kenya.
Last year we received the news that a young rhino, Bahati, had escaped from poachers who’d violently killed his mother for her horns. Despite being shot he somehow managed to escape.
We weren’t sure whether he’d survive the bullet wound or being alone at such a young age. However, amazingly he survived both! He was named Bahati, which means ‘good luck’ in Swahili.
We were delighted hear about his progress but today we’ve received devastating news that he has been targeted by poachers again.
Time is running out to find Bahati in the thick bush habitat. We’re already supporting the search but the more resources we can get out there to help, the more chance we have of finding this young rhino.
We received the below update from our partners the Big Life Foundation, who were quick to react to the news:
“We have watched him grow up, via images caught on camera traps, from his initial recovery from the bullet wound to his stumbling attempts to form social bonds with other rhinos.
“Yesterday, one of the same camera traps provided distressing news – Bahati has a poacher’s snare around his neck. It’s a snare targeted at rhinos, made of thick cable that would have pulled tight around Bahati’s neck as he walked through it. Somehow, after what must have been a horrendous struggle, he was able to snap the cable; a testament to the character of this rhino.
“However, in the process of fighting and breaking the snare, the cable has dug deep into his neck, and if we don’t find him in time to remove the snare and treat the wound, Bahati will die.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) was quick to react on the news, and rangers from both KWS and Big Life flooded the area this morning, searching relentlessly all day. Having found fresh tracks, the Tsavo Trust and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust stepped up immediately, providing an additional spotter plane and helicopter.
“Pilots and spotters spent the afternoon flying tight transects over the area where we suspect Bahati to be, the vet ready with a dart gun.
“Unfortunately, Bahati has not yet been found in the thick bush. The teams have headed back to base for the night, and somewhere out there, Bahati continues his struggle in increasing pain.
“Tomorrow at first light, the tracking process will start again. It’s heartening to see so many from different organizations coordinating the search. This might take days, or it might take weeks. There is no telling what the outcome will be, but no ranger on the job will rest until we have found Bahati.”
This little rhino deserves every bit of help – so please, please act now by donating money to help. If we don’t find Bahati soon we fear it might be too late.
Text ‘RINO15 £5’ to 70070 to donate £5 to Act for Wildlife. JustTextGiving by Vodafone. Alternatively you can make an online donation here.
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